Many times it is found that the relative age of the rocks is not accurate. This happens because of many reasons. The wrong scale is used, the minerals content of the rocks are disputed or the sample is not properly selected for analysis. But the most common reason why relative ages of rocks are not correct is because of the way in which they are evaluated. The rock would be placed on a flat surface and the size and shape of the sample is taken using mathematical algorithms. Based on this information, the relative size of the rock can be computed and this will help to determine the relative age of the rock.
Geologic Time from the relative age of rocks worksheet , source:tulane.edu
So how do you find out the relative age of rocks? If you have a very old rock and you want to know the approximate time of the formation of that rock then you need to know about the geochronological factors that can be used. By just knowing about the geochronology you can derive the accurate relative age of the rock. Geochronology is used for many other purposes like determining the relative movement of the planets through the solar system, finding the exact date of heavenly birth and even the relative movement of celestial objects around other heavenly bodies.
The other way to calculate the relative age of the rock is through mineral composition analysis. There are many types of minerals in a rock and the age of a particular mineral can be determined by the presence or absence of other minerals. There is also a way to determine the relative abundance of different minerals in the rock and this can be done using a mineral worksheet.
Geological Folds from the relative age of rocks worksheet , source:geologypage.com
When the size, shape, color, and amount of minerals is known then this information can be compared with a model of the rock. The calculations are made and compared with the model to get a precise value. This is how relative age of the rock is determined.
The rock that you are going to analyze must be suitable for inclusion in the mineral worksheet. It should not contain elements that will react with the sample such as silica, boron, or iron. These elements have a considerable reaction rate and they can significantly change the outcome of the analysis. Furthermore it should be dry and non permeable so that it can be easily integrated into the mineral worksheet without any damage. There are many different types of mineral worksheets available and if you cannot find one that meets all your needs, then you can make one on your own.
How to tell how old the layers of rock are ppt video online from the relative age of rocks worksheet , source:slideplayer.com
To find the relative age of a rock, you will need to know the coordinates of the place where you want to do the analysis. First find out the latitude and longitude where the rock is situated. Next put in the coordinates of the area where you want to do your analysis. Finally you should enter an estimate of the age of the rock on the worksheet itself. Once you have these data entered on the worksheet then all you have to do is click on the run analysis option.
The next step in the analysis is to plot the positions of the stars at different time intervals over the rock. The position of each star should be determined so that it is possible to get a consistent time period. This plot is then given in the relative time format. The estimated relative age will be displayed on the left of the work sheet. You have to see whether or not the star you have plotted is coincidentally present in the right-hand panel of the same formation.
Demir Kapija Ophiolite Macedonia FYROM a Snapshot of Subduction from the relative age of rocks worksheet , source:academic.oup.com
The best thing about this method of analyzing is that there is a high probability that you will get reasonable estimates of the relative ages of the rocks. In case you find contradictory data, you can always go back to the drawing table. Remember to check your worksheet once in a while as minor corrections can affect the estimates of the formation time of the rock. It is also important to remember that even a single error can skew the estimate of the rock’s true age. The best way of finding out is to repeat the analysis as and when required.Many times it is found that the relative age of the rocks is not accurate. This happens because of many reasons. The wrong scale is used, the minerals content of the rocks are disputed or the sample is not properly selected for analysis. But the most common reason why relative ages of rocks are not correct is because of the way in which they are evaluated. The rock would be placed on a flat surface and the size and shape of the sample is taken using mathematical algorithms. Based on this information, the relative size of the rock can be computed and this will help to determine the relative age of the rock.
So how do you find out the relative age of rocks? If you have a very old rock and you want to know the approximate time of the formation of that rock then you need to know about the geochronological factors that can be used. By just knowing about the geochronology you can derive the accurate relative age of the rock. Geochronology is used for many other purposes like determining the relative movement of the planets through the solar system, finding the exact date of heavenly birth and even the relative movement of celestial objects around other heavenly bodies.
DETERMINING AGE OF ROCKS AND FOSSILS from the relative age of rocks worksheet , source:ucmp.berkeley.edu
The other way to calculate the relative age of the rock is through mineral composition analysis. There are many types of minerals in a rock and the age of a particular mineral can be determined by the presence or absence of other minerals. There is also a way to determine the relative abundance of different minerals in the rock and this can be done using a mineral worksheet.
When the size, shape, color, and amount of minerals is known then this information can be compared with a model of the rock. The calculations are made and compared with the model to get a precise value. This is how relative age of the rock is determined.
Phenocryst Zonation in Porphyry Related Rocks of the Baguio District from the relative age of rocks worksheet , source:academic.oup.com
The rock that you are going to analyze must be suitable for inclusion in the mineral worksheet. It should not contain elements that will react with the sample such as silica, boron, or iron. These elements have a considerable reaction rate and they can significantly change the outcome of the analysis. Furthermore it should be dry and non permeable so that it can be easily integrated into the mineral worksheet without any damage. There are many different types of mineral worksheets available and if you cannot find one that meets all your needs, then you can make one on your own.
To find the relative age of a rock, you will need to know the coordinates of the place where you want to do the analysis. First find out the latitude and longitude where the rock is situated. Next put in the coordinates of the area where you want to do your analysis. Finally you should enter an estimate of the age of the rock on the worksheet itself. Once you have these data entered on the worksheet then all you have to do is click on the run analysis option.
DETERMINING AGE OF ROCKS AND FOSSILS from the relative age of rocks worksheet , source:ucmp.berkeley.edu
The next step in the analysis is to plot the positions of the stars at different time intervals over the rock. The position of each star should be determined so that it is possible to get a consistent time period. This plot is then given in the relative time format. The estimated relative age will be displayed on the left of the work sheet. You have to see whether or not the star you have plotted is coincidentally present in the right-hand panel of the same formation.
The best thing about this method of analyzing is that there is a high probability that you will get reasonable estimates of the relative ages of the rocks. In case you find contradictory data, you can always go back to the drawing table. Remember to check your worksheet once in a while as minor corrections can affect the estimates of the formation time of the rock. It is also important to remember that even a single error can skew the estimate of the rock’s true age. The best way of finding out is to repeat the analysis as and when required.
Geologic Time from the relative age of rocks worksheet , source:tulane.edu
Phenocryst Zonation in Porphyry Related Rocks of the Baguio District from the relative age of rocks worksheet , source:academic.oup.com
NOAA Ocean Explorer Education Multimedia Discovery Missions from the relative age of rocks worksheet , source:oceanexplorer.noaa.gov
